Introduction: Reality is broken -- Part 1. Why games make us happy. What exactly is a game? ; The rise of the happiness engineers ; More satisfying work ; Fun failure and better odds of success ; Strong social connectivity ; Becoming a part of something bigger than ourselves -- Part 2. Reinventing reality. The benefits of alternate realities ; Leveling up in life ; Fun with strangers ; Happiness hacking -- Part 3. How very big games can change the world. The engagement economy ; Missions impossible ; Collaboration superpowers ; Saving the real world together -- Conclusion: Reality is better -- Appendix 1: How to play -- Appendix 2: Practical advice for gamers.

Summary

Visionary game designer Jane McGonigal shows how we can harness the power of computergames to solve real-world problems and boost global happiness, since her research suggests that gamers are expert problem solvers and collaborators because they regularly cooperate with other players to overcome daunting virtual challenges.